Quakes Now Three Back After Loss

Rancho Cucamonga, CA – The Inland Empire pitching staff shut down Rancho on Thursday night, as the 66ers edged the Quakes 2-1 at LoanMart Field.

Inland Empire’s offense didn’t do much better, as they outhit the Quakes 6-5, but benefited from three walks and a misplayed ground ball in the eighth inning, pushing across the eventual game-winning run without the aid of a hit.

Tied at 1-1 in the eighth, reliever Quakes’ Christian Suarez (2-2) struck out the first batter of the inning, but followed with consecutive walks. Madison Jeffrey was then called upon to come out of the bullpen and he struggled with his command as well, issuing a wild pitch before walking a batter to load the bases. With one out, it looked as though Jeffrey might get a double-play turned behind him, but Adrian Placencia’s ground ball was mishandled by second baseman Kenneth Betancourt, as he was only able to get one out, allowing the 66ers to take the lead for good at 2-1.

Held to just five hits over seven innings by 66ers’ starter Connor Van Scoyoc (4-4), the Rancho bats did nothing against reliever Kelvin Caceres, who retired all six men he faced to end the game and earn his second save.

Rancho’s lone run came in the fifth, as Yunior Garcia tripled and scored on Betancourt’s RBI single, evening the game at 1-1.

The Quakes (33-27) are now three games back of first-place Lake Elsinore in the South, with just six games to play in the first half. On Friday, Huei-Sheng Lin (1-0) will throw for Rancho, while Inland Empire counters with Fernandio Guanare (1-2). Game time is 6:30pm.

Friday is Will Smith Bobblehead Giveaway to 1,500 fans in attendance! Tickets are available at rcquakes.com. We hope to see you at LoanMart Field...Go Quakes!